Chapter 11: Introducing Chloe to Emanuele

Isabella was startled when Emanuele suddenly embraced her. Shaking her head, she murmured, "It's nothing, I'm fine." How was she supposed to respond when one demon asked about another demon hurting her?

Madelyn was chatting with Sophia, mentioning how her husband had injured his leg and couldn't walk well, which was why he couldn't attend the wedding. She also mentioned that Chloe was still abroad and would return in a few days.

"Once your brother is better, you all should come and stay here," Sophia suggested warmly, her smile bright. Now Leo's wife and the mistress of the estate, she was eager to show her relatives how well she was doing. "We have plenty of rooms, and you can stay as long as you like."

"I'll let him know when I get back," Madelyn replied cheerfully, her past dislike for Sophia and Isabella forgotten. Even though Sophia's deceased husband had left them some money, it had barely been enough to cover a few dresses and pieces of jewelry.

But things were different now. Sophia had married Leo, and Emanuele was the most sought-after man in Chicago. Everything had changed.

As Madelyn spoke, her gaze shifted to Isabella, eyes narrowing like those of a serpent. Isabella felt a chill run through her, her fingers curling into fists at her sides, the nails digging into her flesh—a pain that reminded her not to be afraid.

"Isabella, long time no see, you've become so much prettier," Madelyn said as she approached and took Isabella's hand.

Isabella instinctively pulled her hand back, trying to suppress her visible fear and disgust.

"Auntie," she stammered.

"If you're free, you should come visit us. Have you forgotten your favorite meadow? You could help your uncle with the cattle and sheep," Madelyn suggested, causing Isabella's face to pale further.

No, she didn't like it at all! She remembered the stench of the animals she used to sleep with as a child during her days in the fields.

Madelyn was cruel to bring up such memories, trying to make her relive those nightmarish moments.

Sophia, unaware of the true situation, laughed and added, "Yes, Isabella always enjoyed being with the cattle and sheep."

At that moment, Emanuele, who had been listening, noticed the change in Isabella's demeanor. Her face had turned deathly pale, and her body seemed to tremble.

"This woman, if she really liked it, shouldn't be reacting this way," he thought. She seemed terrified, as if facing something dreadful.

He couldn't help but ask softly, "Do you like it?"

Isabella shook her head instinctively, feeling strangely less afraid of Emanuele than of Madelyn or Chloe.

This was bad! Even though Emanuele had recently done something terrible to her, she felt more at ease with him than with Madelyn or Chloe. She could stand up to Emanuele but not to Chloe.

Noticing Emanuele's interest, Madelyn's expression brightened.

"Mr. Lombardi, hello, I'm related to your stepmother. Are you married? I have a daughter six years younger than you, very sweet and beautiful. Perhaps you'd like to meet her?" she suggested. She knew Chloe had once expressed a desire to marry him.

Hearing that he was unattached, Madelyn thought introducing her daughter could elevate their family's status.

"Oh God, please let these two be a match," she prayed silently.

However, Emanuele's look was icy and piercing, as if seeing right through her.

His demeanor was as cold as ice. This young Chicago mob boss had climbed to the top stepping over countless bodies. Just a glance from him was more than most could handle.

Madelyn was terrified by his gaze. Had she said something wrong? But how could that be when Emanuele seemed so pleasant with Isabella?

"Introduce your daughter? Ma'am, do you want her stripped and thrown onto the streets for vagrants to abuse, or perhaps shot dead in a random shooting?" Emanuele replied coldly, making it clear he was not in need of a marriage arrangement. He would marry a woman who moved his heart, just as he fiercely protected his territory.

Madelyn's face turned utterly pale.

Oh God, she knew of Emanuele's fierce reputation but had forgotten his brutal nature. Yes, his success was built on his relentless cruelty. If she were to marry her daughter to him, what would happen if they ever quarreled? Could he turn killer?

Perhaps it was better not to pursue this, despite the potential benefits.

Watching from the sidelines, Isabella couldn't help but find Madelyn's terror somewhat amusing. Why did Madelyn seem less frightening now, especially in her almost comical fear of Emanuele?

At least in the face of Emanuele's several threats of death, Isabella managed to remain calm.

"Let's not talk about this anymore," Sophia interjected, sensing the tension between them. She grabbed Emanuele's arm, called over a waiter, and got two glasses of champagne. Toasting with Emanuele, she beamed, "I'm so glad to be part of your family now. I promise, we will live happily together."

Emanuele clinked glasses with Sophia, his chilling aura subsiding.

Madelyn, who had been nearly scared out of her wits, was relieved that Emanuele's attention was no longer on her, allowing her to relax somewhat.

She tried to find something to say and, noticing Isabella standing quietly, engaged her in conversation. "Isabella, Chloe always says how much she misses you. Maybe you should meet up sometime."

Isabella's heart sank.

Meet up with Chloe? No, that wouldn't just be a meeting; it would be an outright torment session. Facing Chloe alone might feel like a death sentence to her.

But at that moment, she felt as if her throat was blocked, unable to voice any refusal. Her damn condition always flared up at the mention of Chloe, rendering her weak and helpless.

Just then, a hand rested on Isabella's shoulder, guiding her to lean against him. It was Emanuele.

His powerful presence, tinged with a cold, murderous aura that used to terrify Isabella, now strangely offered her comfort.

Could Emanuele sense her unease?

"This little girl seems not to like chatting with elders. Isabella, let's go play over there," Emanuele said as he embraced her and led her away from the crowd.

As they left, Sophia turned to Madelyn, "You nearly caused a disaster just now. Emanuele is not someone to be trifled with."

Madelyn patted her chest, still shaken. "Thank God. I just thought if Chloe could marry into this family, we'd see each other more often, which would be pleasant."

She quickly fabricated a reason, lying being second nature to her.

"But Emanuele is no ordinary man. He is merciless to outsiders, only patient with those he considers family. I got to know his father for three months, clearly stated I had no interest in their family affairs, just loved his father. Only after he judged me and found my intentions genuine did he allow me to join his family," Sophia explained softly.

"I understand," Madelyn replied, turning to see Emanuele holding Isabella close, their relationship appearing quite harmonious.

"Why is Isabella so close to Emanuele? I heard she came to visit you recently," Madelyn inquired.

"I'm not sure why. Maybe Isabella just seems like a simple girl without schemes, and that's why he's so kind to her," Sophia speculated.

Is that really the case? Madelyn wondered. Her own daughter, Chloe, wasn't bad either. Known as the village princess, she had been groomed from a young age to exude nobility, trained in dance and piano. How could Isabella, who grew up sleeping in a barn, compare to Chloe?

Madelyn resolved to bring Chloe over next time. Despite Emanuele's harsh words earlier, she was confident he would fall for her daughter at first sight.

Meanwhile, Isabella found herself reluctantly pulled onto the dance floor by Emanuele. Away from Madelyn, her emotions finally began to stabilize.

She was somewhat grateful to Emanuele for distancing her from that malevolent woman.

Yet, remembering what had happened in the study, Isabella couldn't help but think that Emanuele wasn't much better.

"Do you really fear your aunt?" Emanuele asked as he held her waist and led her in the dance, their bodies almost touching.

Isabella, feeling his strong frame against her softer body, his chin brushing her hair, responded hesitantly, "No."

"You're lying," Emanuele asserted, "People usually avoid eye contact and become tense when they lie. And you're too stiff, Isabella. I don’t believe you can’t even dance this simple step."

Hearing his analysis, Isabella looked up at him, "Emanuele, you should consider becoming a psychologist. With your understanding of people's minds, you could write a book."

"See, you can speak well enough when facing me. Why do you become mute around your aunt?" Emanuele was not only unoffended but seemed amused.

Somehow, seeing her angry made him find her even more endearing. No one else had ever dared to be angry with him like that.

This brave little thing was much better than the lifeless image she projected around Madelyn. Although he enjoyed tormenting her and reveling in her pain, he wanted her to suffer because of him, not because of her so-called aunt.

"This is none of your business," Isabella retorted, keeping her secret safe even from her own mother, let alone revealing her vulnerability to Emanuele.

"Oh, then how about I send you to your aunt's place, let her take you back to their home for a few days? How does that sound? I’m sure your mom and your aunt wouldn’t refuse me," Emanuele mused aloud, his tone playful yet menacing, his grip on Isabella's waist tightening as he watched her reaction closely.